Successful training of laboratories in Asia and Africa to use nanopore sequencing for poliovirus surveillance
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Reducing the time taken to get from sample to sequence confirming the presence of a vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) can in turn reduce the size of an outbreak by facilitating a faster response. Current gold standard methods for poliovirus detection rely on cell culture and shipping samples, sometimes internationally, to specialised sequencing laboratories, causing delays in identifying the virus. Using Oxford Nanopore sequencing technology can allow labs to undertake their own sequencing without the need to ship samples, and with low overhead cost and space requirement.
We have developed a method for rapid direct detection of poliovirus using nanopore sequencing (DDNS) which can reduce the time taken from sample to sequence from weeks to days, and are in the process of training both national and international labs in its use for poliovirus surveillance. Once enough data is gathered, we can work towards having the method approved by the Global Polio Lab Network for use in all reference labs. These training workshops and feedback from the trainees has given us valuable insights into the expansion of nanopore sequencing into Asia and Africa, and here we discuss some of the challenges faced in the provision of training and in continued implementation, giving insight into how nanopore technology can be successfully deployed in these regions.
